Feeling stiff? Experiencing joint pain? Blaming it on getting older?
Some forms of arthritis are related to lifestyle and genetics, while others are related closely to chronic illness and are classified as autoimmune disorders.
The good news is that with proper care and lifestyle changes, much of the pain associated with arthritis can be reduced or eliminated.
Arthritis Treatment and Exercise for Older Adults
All arthritis attacks joint tissue and bones. They also share many of the myriad of symptoms. Currently, there is no cure for any one type of arthritis. Medically, each of these diseases has its own specific protocol that doctors can prescribe for treatment. Yet, there is research and anecdotal evidence that there is much we can do to that will reduce and even eliminate symptoms.
It comes down to eating a healthy well-balanced diet, exercise, weight loss if one is obese, and getting enough sleep. All require effort and the willingness to change some lifelong habits in the interest of feeling better.
It is also important, especially for those who have been living with arthritis for a while, to learn the best ways to manage whatever physical limitations they have. Wearing the right shoes, using a cane if necessary, or getting some help from a physical therapist with how to properly align the body and stretch to increase or maintain mobility, are all important details to evaluate.
When it comes to exercise, do what you like. You may have to experiment a bit, but once you do something that you enjoy and feel that it is helpful, you will more likely stick with it.
As with any chronic condition, if you have arthritis, be sure to discuss your exercise plan with your doctor. It is important to take into account any injuries, balance issues, and range limitations that you might be experiencing. The good news is that you can, with time and patience, greatly reduce pain and increase flexibility and strength.
A Few Ideas to Get You Going
- Exercise: Attend a yoga class or a Tai Chi class together. Doing some sort of physical exercise with another is mutually supportive and can help alleviate arthritic pain.
- Gardening: Whether you are tending planters on a terrace or have an actual garden, there is always something that needs to be done to maintain and care for what it is that is growing.
- Cooking: Getting together with your loved one and preparing a meal together can be one of the sweetest things to do. Prepping food and chopping things is often difficult when one has joint pain in the hands. Offer to be the sous chef and prep all the ingredients. Make enough so you can freeze the extra and after it’s all done, sit down to a lovely meal together.
The good news is that there are many ways to help reduce the severity of flares and chronic pain. It is important to consider all the aspects of treating arthritis. Proper treatment and support from a doctor or physical therapist are as indispensable as being proactive in changing our personal habits.
Exercise and diet can help fortify and strengthen the body. It is clear that research is showing that successful treatment of arthritis requires a holistic care approach.
If you need support caring for a loved one, call us. Our trained caregivers can provide support to fit your schedule and provide you with peace of mind. We understand aging and we can help your loved one age in a healthy manner.
Amanda Butas is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Geriatric Care Manager. You can call her at (480) 699-4899, or visit homecareassistancemesa.com. You also can visit Home Care Assistance at our new office next to Bed Bath and Beyond, located on Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 103.